Zuppardi's Announces 'Bittersweet' Closing Of Derby Pizzeria Location

DERBY, CT — Zuppardi's Apizza, a popular West Haven-based pizzeria with nearly a century's worth of history in Connecticut, announced Thursday plans to close its satellite location at The Hops Company in Derby by the end of the year.

In a lengthy statement posted to the pizzeria's Facebook page, Zuppardi's owners said with "bittersweet emotion" the popular Derby location will close its doors to the public Jan. 1, 2025, as The Hops Company's beer garden undergoes a full-scale renovation and continues its operations primarily as an event space.

The owners also noted Zuppardi's will still offer catering options to The Hops Company clients, however their day-to-day service will no longer be available there.

"Our time at THC was truly remarkable," the owners wrote on Facebook. "What began as a small operation, working out of our pizza truck, blossomed into a full kitchen and catering operation. That would not have been made possible without the support of a number of people."

Zuppardi's currently operates two other locations in West Haven and Ansonia. The Hops Company pizzeria is located at 77 Sodom Lane in Derby.

Zuppardi's has been serving New Haven-style apizza, pronounced "abeetz," since 1934. The fourth-generation business is one of the oldest family-owned pizzerias in the U.S. and was featured on ABC's "Good Morning America" in February.

Back in June, "West Haven's "first family of apizza" celebrated 90 years in business.

In announcement on its website, The Hops Company noted its beloved beer garden will close for a full renovation in January.

"When we reopen in March 2025, it will have a brand new look and identity as 'The Lodge at The Hops' — an unparalleled setting for weddings, corporate gatherings, galas, and more," the announcement reads.

The Hops Company, which hosts a number of events including weddings, plans to have two venues with enchanting private gardens, waterfalls, fire pits and a New England ambiance.

"While we're shifting our focus to events, we'll remain open to the public for special occasions like our charitable fundraisers and other holiday celebrations," the Hops Company announcement reads, "and who knows, the beer garden may even make a comeback in the future!"

Zuppardi's thanked the entire team at The Hops Company for their partnership and support over the past nine years.

"We wish you good health, happiness, and the best of luck with your future endeavors," the owners said.

The pizzeria's owners also thanked the entire Zuppardi's staff, as well as the entire Derby and Valley community for welcoming their West Haven roots openly, which even inspired them to open their take-out and slice shop down the street in nearby Ansonia.

"Finally, and most importantly, we would like to give our biggest thank you to our customers," the owners said. "From the Valley to West Haven and beyond, we truly believe our customers are the best of any. Rest assured, the Zuppardi's team moves full steam ahead towards new and expanding possibilities. Our mission remains the same: to serve our family's apizza to as many customers across the globe as we can with integrity, quality and consistency."

In addition to the West Haven and Ansonia locations, fans of Zuppardi's can find their famous apizza at their pizza truck, which can be booked for private events and also offers regular service at New England Brewing Co. in Woodbridge.

Zuppardi's pies can also be found frozen in neighboring grocery stores and shipped nationwide through the pizzeria's website.

Zuppardi's full announcement can be read here, and The Hops Company's announcement can be read in full here.